Odd Even Phase II: Real test starts today

Today will be the real test for the second phase of odd-even scheme in the national capital. The first working day since the road-rationing measure was rolled out in the city on April 15, which happened to be a holiday for Ram Navami.

All offices, schools and other institutions reopen today after the extended weekend. The second phase of the scheme was rolled out after testing the first phase in the month of January.

Unlike the scheme’s pilot phase, in which the focus was more on awareness and voluntary compliance, the government has cracked the whip on violators this time, with over 2,300 challans issued in the first two days as against 479 during the same period in the previous phase between January 1-15.

It might prove to be harsher as the  auto and taxi unions in the city are calling a strike on Monday in protest against app-based cab operators, may add to the woes of commuters especially in view of the odd-even norms which will be in force.

Delhi Transport minister Gopal Rai has also urged the Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to direct police to prevent any untoward incident during the proposed strike today.

Gopal Rai today also met BJP’s Vijay Goel to request the smooth functioning of odd-even scheme. However, Goel maintained his stance of opposing the move for it not being a consolidated one to curb rising pollution levels in the city.